We need a range of treatments and support, tailored to individuals. A ‘blanket’ treatment for all, is not the answer
David, autistic adult
A research team at Newcastle University, that includes autistic co-researchers, are interviewing autistic adults, their families and carers to find out more about their:
Autistic people consistently say they want to be better understood so that research addresses what matters to them.
That’s why their involvement is at the heart of the ageing and autism programme – the best research happens when autistic people, families and researchers work together.
A national cohort makes the information available to other researchers and speeds up progress to identify the best ways to support autistic people at every stage of their lives.
500,000
There are 500,000 autistic adults in the UK
7%
The UK only spends 7% of autism research funding on adult research
9 in 10
90% of autistic adults would participate in research if they were asked
500,000
There are 500,000 autistic adults in the UK
7%
The UK only spends 7% of autism research funding on adult research
9 in 10
90% of autistic adults would participate in research if they were asked
With your support we can change lives. Please give today.
DonateThe team have already recruited over 800 autistic adults of all ages and almost 300 family members.
The team are running a longitudinal study, which means they are collecting data from each person in the study over many years.
Using surveys, interviews and focus groups they are identifying patterns of health needs in autistic adults and their research preferences.
I hope she’s got more than just being cared for to look forward to
Gill, mum
Involving the community in research is already answering important questions. For example, why autistic adults have more mental health problems and how having a job makes a real difference to their quality of life.
As well as providing a better understanding of the health needs and research priorities of autistic adults, this project is helping to make the case for new projects to be funded by us and other autism research funders, such as:
Dr. Jeremy Parr is a Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant at Newcastle University. He works very closely with autism researchers from the UK and other countries, and is involved in a number of studies looking at the causes of autism, the effectiveness of therapies and treatments, and how health services for people with autism should be provided.
Cassidy, S., Bradley, P., Robinson, J., Allison, C., McHugh, M. and Baron-Cohen, S., 2014. Suicidal Ideation and Suicide Plans or Attempts in Adults with Asperger’s Syndrome Attending a Specialist Diagnostic Clinic: A Clinical Cohort Study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(2), pp.142–47.
Find out about funding available to you and advance your autism research career.
View funding
Your donation can help us fund more projects like this to build better futures for autistic people.
Donate now
Find out about funding available to you and advance your autism research career.
View fundingYour donation can help us fund more projects like this to build better futures for autistic people.
Donate now